Cubs Among MLB’s Top Defenses Entering 2026

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Chicago Cubs are not just another team on the field; they stand as one of the top defensive teams in Major League Baseball, and expectations are sky-high for their continued dominance in this area. With a roster packed with top-tier defensive talent, the Cubs are poised to continue their legacy of excellence in the field.

Last season, the Cubs were undeniable. They boasted one of the best defenses in baseball, finishing with the second-best overall defensive performance on FanGraphs. But what truly set them apart was the caliber of their players – six Cubs players were finalists for the prestigious Gold Glove award in 2025. These players included standout names like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, Matt Shaw, Carson Kelly, and Matthew Boyd, each of whom contributed significantly to the team’s defensive prowess.

Of these six, three emerged victorious, claiming Gold Gloves for their exceptional fielding: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ. These three were instrumental in the Cubs’ defensive success, with Crow-Armstrong being widely regarded as the best defender in baseball. His elite center field play was a key factor in preventing runs, as he consistently displayed exceptional coverage and agility. Hoerner, meanwhile, solidified his place as the best defensive second baseman in the league, impressing with his quick reflexes, range, and consistency. Ian Happ, a stalwart in the outfield, continued his dominance with a fourth consecutive Gold Glove award, proving his status as one of the top left field defenders in the game.

But it wasn’t just Crow-Armstrong, Hoerner, and Happ carrying the defense. Matt Shaw and Carson Kelly also turned in outstanding performances at their positions, while Dansby Swanson provided further stability in the middle infield, pairing with Hoerner to form one of the best duos in baseball. This all-around defensive effort made the Cubs one of the toughest teams to score against in 2025.

Crow-Armstrong’s defensive statistics were particularly eye-catching, as he led the league in Runs Prevented and tied for first in Outs Above Average among all position players. His ability to cover ground in center field and prevent hits was unrivaled, cementing his status as the premier defensive player in baseball. Hoerner, already known for his defensive prowess, furthered his reputation by leading all second basemen in both Runs Prevented and Outs Above Average. As for Happ, his consistent play in left field allowed him to earn his fourth consecutive Gold Glove, a testament to his elite fielding ability.

With all of these standout players returning for 2026, the Cubs are set to maintain their defensive excellence. MLB.com has ranked them among the top-5 defensive teams entering the season, reinforcing their reputation as one of the league’s elite defensive units. The team’s ability to shut down opposing offenses with stellar fielding is expected to be a major factor in their success once again.

Mike Petriello of MLB.com spoke highly of the Cubs’ defense, especially praising the return of their standout players. “It’s much the same for the Cubs, who saw Pete Crow-Armstrong play something like the best defensive center field we’ve seen in forever,” Petriello said. He also emphasized the dynamic middle-infield duo of Hoerner and Swanson, which remains a critical component of the Cubs’ defense. Petriello also noted that the Cubs’ defense would see some changes, such as Alex Bregman replacing Shaw at third base and Seiya Suzuki receiving more playing time in right field.

One of the biggest changes to the Cubs’ defense in 2026 is Bregman’s addition to the team. Bregman, a former Gold Glove winner in 2024, will replace Matt Shaw at third base. While Shaw was also a Gold Glove finalist in 2025, Bregman is widely regarded as one of the best defensive third basemen in the game. His arrival in Chicago adds even more depth to the Cubs’ already strong infield. Bregman’s ability to handle third base with poise and skill should help solidify the Cubs’ defense even further, especially alongside the likes of Hoerner and Swanson.

As for Seiya Suzuki, 2026 is expected to be a year where he gets more playing time in the outfield, particularly in right field. With Kyle Tucker no longer on the team, Suzuki will take on a more prominent role in the field. While Suzuki has been criticized in the past for his defensive struggles, the Cubs believe that he can perform well in right field, especially considering that Tucker’s defensive metrics were not far better than Suzuki’s last season. While Tucker finished with a slightly better Fielding Run Value, Suzuki ranked higher in Outs Above Average and Runs Prevented, indicating that he may actually be a more effective defender than many believe.

The Cubs are also in a strong position to continue their defensive dominance in 2026. They are projected to rank near the top of the league in Defensive Runs Saved, and many analysts believe they have the potential to be the best defensive team in all of baseball. With Crow-Armstrong, Hoerner, Happ, Bregman, Suzuki, and Swanson all contributing elite-level defense, the Cubs are poised to be a defensive juggernaut once again.

While much of the spotlight in baseball often shines on offensive players, the Cubs’ defense will remain a cornerstone of their success. The team’s ability to turn double plays, prevent extra-base hits, and stop runs from scoring will continue to be invaluable. With a roster full of proven defensive stars, the Cubs are well-equipped to handle anything that comes their way in 2026.

The Cubs’ defense will play a crucial role in their playoff aspirations this season. In a league where pitching and defense often determine postseason success, the Cubs have the tools to make a deep run. With a dominant defense, a solid pitching staff, and a potent offense, the Cubs are well-rounded and ready to compete at the highest level.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Cubs to see if they can maintain their defensive excellence. Can Crow-Armstrong continue to set the standard for center field defense? Will Hoerner retain his status as the best defensive second baseman? And with Bregman now in the fold, how will the Cubs’ infield defense shape up? Regardless of the answers, one thing is clear: the Cubs’ defense will be a defining factor in their 2026 season, and fans can expect plenty of highlight-reel plays along the way.

With the 2026 season just around the corner, Cubs fans are eagerly anticipating another year of elite defensive play. The team’s defensive prowess will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of their success this season, and with the talent they have, the Cubs are set to continue their reign as one of the best defensive teams in the league. This season, they’re not just playing for wins – they’re playing to prove that their defense is still one of the most formidable forces in baseball.